JP7675227B2 - Clothes Processing Equipment - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a clothing processing device.

In recent years, in order to meet the needs of users for improved convenience, washing machines, which are an example of a clothing treatment device that performs a specific treatment on clothing, have been developed with a configuration that stores multiple doses of clothing treatment agents such as detergent and fabric softener in a tank for automatic dispensing, and an automatic dispensing unit that automatically dispenses the required amount from the tank into the water tub during operation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-74081 A

In washing machines equipped with such an automatic dispensing function, the tank is housed in a case that is configured to be removable from the automatic dispensing unit. However, conventionally, the tank cannot be refilled with laundry treatment agent unless the case is removed from the automatic dispensing unit. This means that users must remove the case from the automatic dispensing unit each time they want to refill the tank with laundry treatment agent, making it difficult to use.

Therefore, this embodiment provides a clothing treatment device that allows the clothing treatment agent to be replenished into the tank without removing it from the automatic dispenser.

The clothing treatment device according to this embodiment includes a clothing treatment tub that contains clothing, a tank that stores a clothing treatment agent for treating the clothing, and an automatic dispensing unit that dispenses the clothing treatment agent stored in the tank into the clothing treatment tub. The automatic dispensing unit includes a storage unit from which the tank is pulled out and a stopper that limits the amount of the tank that can be pulled out to a predetermined amount, and the position at which the stopper limits the amount of the tank that can be pulled out is located forward of the center of gravity of the tank.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration example of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of an upper part of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an automatic inserting device and its peripheral parts according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional front view showing a schematic configuration example of a water injection case according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a water injection case according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a water supply valve unit according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a rear part of a washing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a rear part of the washing machine according to the embodiment; FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a rear part of the washing machine according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a rear part of the washing machine according to the embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a rear part of the washing machine according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of an automatic insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view (part 1) showing a schematic configuration example of a case that houses a tank according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view (part 2) showing a schematic configuration example of a case that houses a tank according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a case that houses a tank main body according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a case according to the embodiment, viewed from the bottom side. FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration example of an automatic inserting device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with a portion in cross section; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a detergent tank according to the embodiment; FIG. 4 is a side view showing a schematic configuration example of a detergent tank according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a fabric softener tank according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration example of a fabric softener tank according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of a detergent tank and a fabric softener tank according to the embodiment; FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a case in which a detergent tank is attached to and detached from a case according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front view showing a schematic configuration example of a fabric softener case according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a tank according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional side view showing a schematic configuration example of a supply port according to a modified example of the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration example of a rear portion of the tank according to the embodiment; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration example of a rear portion of the tank according to the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a side view showing a schematic configuration example of a case that houses a tank according to a modified example of the embodiment; FIG. 13 is a side view showing a schematic configuration example of a tank according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a front view (part 1) illustrating a schematic configuration example of a tank according to a modified example of the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is a front view (part 2) illustrating a schematic configuration example of a tank according to a modified example of the present embodiment;

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the clothes treatment device will be described with reference to the drawings. The washing machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a so-called vertical axis type washing machine in which the rotation center axis of the rotating tub extends vertically. The washing machine 1 is an example of a clothes treatment device capable of performing a predetermined treatment on clothes, in this case, a washing process for washing clothes, a rinsing process for rinsing clothes, a dehydration process for dehydrating clothes, etc., and is provided with a water tub 3 inside an outer box 2 that forms the outer shell of the device main body. The water tub 3 is an example of a clothes treatment tub in which clothes are stored, and is a bottomed cylindrical shape with an open top. Inside the water tub 3, a bottomed cylindrical rotating tub (not shown) with an open top is rotatably provided. In addition, a pulsator (not shown) for stirring the clothes in the rotating tub and the water in the water tub 3 is rotatably provided at the bottom of the rotating tub. In addition, a balance ring (not shown) for suppressing vibration of the water tub 3 is provided at the top of the water tub 3. An inner lid may or may not be provided at the top opening of the water tub 3.

The outer box 2 is configured with a top cover 2B attached to the top of the outer box main body 2A, which is a substantially rectangular box with an open top. A clothing entrance 4 for inserting and removing clothing is provided in the approximately center of the top cover 2B. This clothing entrance 4 is opened and closed by a lid 5 that is rotatably provided on the upper part of the outer box 2. The washing machine 1 also has a machine room 6 located at the rear of the outer box 2. In this case, the machine room 6 is located behind the clothing entrance 4 in the space inside the top cover 2B. Various drive system components such as an automatic insertion device 100, a water injection case 200, and a water supply valve unit 300 are housed inside the machine room 6. The automatic insertion device 100 is an example of an automatic insertion unit, and is a device for automatically inserting a predetermined amount of clothing treatment agent into the water tub 3 together with water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 during a well-known washing operation for washing clothing, for example.

Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration inside the machine room 6. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the machine room 6 forms a horizontally long space extending in the left-right direction of the outer box 2 behind the clothing entrance 4. Inside the machine room 6, the automatic insertion device 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 are arranged side by side along the horizontal direction of the outer box 2. In addition, in the machine room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged to the side of the water injection case 200, in this case, to the right when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. In addition, in the machine room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged to be located forward of the rear end of the automatic insertion device 100 and the rear end of the water injection case 200. In this case, the water supply valve unit 300 is entirely located forward of the rear end of the automatic insertion device 100 and the rear end of the water injection case 200. Note that the water supply valve unit 300 may be arranged in such a way that at least a part of it is located forward of the rear end of the automatic insertion device 100 and the rear end of the water injection case 200.

In the machine room 6, the water supply case 200 is located between the automatic insertion device 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the lateral direction of the outer box 2. In other words, the water supply case 200 is arranged to be sandwiched between the automatic insertion device 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the lateral direction of the outer box 2. A water level sensor 400 is also housed inside the machine room 6. In this case, the water level sensor 400 is housed in a space to the side of the water supply valve unit 300, in this case, to the right when viewed from the front side of the washing machine 1. The water level sensor 400 is connected to an air trap (not shown) provided at the bottom of the water tub 3 via an air tube, and is capable of detecting the water level in the water tub 3 based on detecting the air pressure in the air trap, which changes in response to changes in the water level in the water tub 3.

Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration of the automatic insertion device 100. As shown in FIG. 3, the automatic insertion device 100 is located on the left side of the rear part of the top cover 2B, more specifically, on the left side of the machine room 6.

The automatic loading device 100 is provided with a case storage section 101 having an approximately rectangular box shape with an open front. The case storage section 101 is firmly fixed, for example, by screws, to a metal bottom plate 6a that constitutes the bottom surface of the machine chamber 6. This makes the case storage section 101 immovable relative to the main body of the washing machine 1. The front opening of the case storage section 101 is fixed to the rear wall of the clothing entrance 4, and opens forward at the rear wall of the clothing entrance 4. As will be described in detail later, a case 102 having an approximately rectangular box shape with an open top is stored in the case storage section 101 so that it can be pulled out along the front-to-rear direction of the washing machine 1. In addition, multiple tanks, in this case a detergent tank 103 and a fabric softener tank 104, are removably stored in the case 102.

The detergent tank 103 stores detergent for washing the clothes in the water tub 3 as an example of a clothing treatment agent. The detergent tank 103 is a treatment agent tank in the shape of a substantially rectangular container, with a size and shape that allows it to store enough detergent for multiple operations. Detergent can be replenished into the detergent tank 103 by opening a refill port 142 provided at the top of the tank 103. Meanwhile, the fabric softener tank 104 stores fabric softener for softening the clothes in the water tub 3 as an example of a clothing treatment agent. The fabric softener tank 104 is a treatment agent tank in the shape of a substantially rectangular container, with a size and shape that allows it to store enough fabric softener for multiple operations. Fabric softener can be replenished into the fabric softener tank 104 by opening a refill port 152 provided at the top of the tank 104.

The automatic dispensing device 100 also includes a detergent metering pump 105 and a fabric softener metering pump 106 at the rear of the case storage section 101. The detergent metering pump 105 is a pump configured to draw in and discharge liquid by driving a piston with an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid. The detergent metering pump 105 draws in a predetermined amount of detergent, in this case an amount for one operation, from the detergent tank 103 housed in the case storage section 101, and discharges the drawn-in detergent from the outlet 105a into the automatic dispensing path 107. The outlet 105a is provided so as to face downward from the bottom of the detergent metering pump 105.

The fabric softener metering pump 106 is a pump that draws in and delivers liquid by driving a piston, for example, by a motor or a solenoid. The fabric softener metering pump 106 draws in a predetermined amount of fabric softener, in this case the amount for one operation, from the fabric softener tank 104 housed in the case housing 101, and delivers the drawn-in fabric softener from the outlet 106a into the automatic injection path 107. The outlet 106a is provided so as to face downward from the bottom of the fabric softener metering pump 106.

The detergent metering pump 105 and the fabric softener metering pump 106 are both examples of drive means controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the washing machine 1.

The automatic injection path 107 constitutes a water supply path for automatic injection that connects the water supply valve unit 300 to the water injection case 200 via the mixing section 108. The mixing section 108 is located behind the automatic injection device 100, below the detergent metering pump 105 and the fabric softener metering pump 106. The mixing section 108 has a space inside, and this space is provided as a mixing chamber for mixing the laundry treatment agent supplied from the detergent tank 103 or fabric softener tank 104 with the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300. In addition, the upper part of the mixing section 108 is provided with multiple connection ports 108a and 108b, in this case two, that communicate with the internal mixing chamber. The connection ports 108a and 108b are provided facing upward from the upper part of the mixing section 108.

One of these connection ports, 108a, is connected to the outlet 105a of the detergent metering pump 105, and the other connection port, 108b, is connected to the outlet 106a of the fabric softener metering pump 106. Thus, the detergent discharged from the outlet 105a of the detergent metering pump 105 is introduced into the mixing chamber from the connection port 108a, and the fabric softener discharged from the outlet 106a of the fabric softener metering pump 106 is introduced into the mixing chamber from the connection port 108b.

The mixing section 108 also has an upstream connection section provided above and a downstream connection section provided below. The upstream connection section is connected to the water supply valve unit 300 via an upstream connection path 109. The downstream connection section is connected to the water supply case 200 via a downstream connection path 110. Water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows from the upstream connection path 109 through the upstream connection section into the mixing chamber of the mixing section 108, and then flows from the downstream connection section through the downstream connection path 110 into the water supply case 200.

In this way, as the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows through the mixing section 108 to the water supply case 200, the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 is mixed with the laundry treatment agent supplied from the detergent metering pump 105 and the fabric softener metering pump 106 in the mixing chamber of the mixing section 108. As a result, water mixed with the laundry treatment agent is supplied to the water supply case 200. The water containing the laundry treatment agent supplied to the water supply case 200 is then supplied from the water supply case 200 into the water tub 3.

As described above, the automatic dispensing device 100 is configured to automatically dispense, for example, a predetermined amount of clothing treatment agent for one operation into the water tub 3 together with water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 during a well-known washing operation for washing clothes.

Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration of the water injection case 200. The water injection case 200 is a component that is mainly used to pour water into the water tub 3. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the water injection case 200 has a substantially rectangular box-shaped case housing 201 with an open front. This case housing 201 is firmly fixed, for example, by screws, to a metal bottom plate 6a that constitutes the bottom surface of the machine chamber 6. The front opening of the case housing 201 is fixed to the rear wall of the clothing entrance 4, and opens forward at the rear wall of the clothing entrance 4. In this case housing 201, a substantially rectangular box-shaped case 202 with an open top is housed so as to be able to be pulled out along the front-rear direction of the washing machine 1. In addition, a plurality of manual clothing treatment dispensers, in this case, a manual detergent dispenser 203 and a manual fabric softener dispenser 204, are integrally provided in this case 202.

The manual detergent dispenser 203 is an example of a manual dispenser that allows the user to manually dispense detergent. The manual fabric softener dispenser 204 is an example of a manual dispenser that allows the user to manually dispense fabric softener.

The top surface 205 of the water injection case 200 is an inclined surface that slopes downward from the rear to the front. In addition, the top surface 205 of the water injection case 200 is formed with a plurality of flow paths for flowing the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300, such as a detergent flow path for supplying water to the manual detergent dispenser 203, a fabric softener flow path for supplying water to the manual fabric softener dispenser 204, and a bath water flow path for flowing bath water. In other words, the water supply valve unit 300 is also connected to the water injection case 200, and is configured to be able to supply water to the water injection case 200 as well.

The water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 flows through the flow path on the top surface 205 of the water supply case 200 and is supplied to the manual detergent dispenser 203 or the manual fabric softener dispenser 204 in the water supply case 200. The water supplied to the manual detergent dispenser 203 or the manual fabric softener dispenser 204 dissolves the detergent in the manual detergent dispenser 203 or the fabric softener in the manual fabric softener dispenser 204. The water in which the detergent or fabric softener has been dissolved in the water supply case 200 is supplied from the water supply case 200 into the water tub 3. In this way, the washing machine 1 is configured to be able to supply the laundry treatment agent manually added by the user into the water tub 3 together with the water.

Next, a detailed description of an example configuration of the water supply valve unit 300 will be given. The water supply valve unit 300 is a component that mainly supplies water to the automatic dosing device 100 and the water injection case 200. As also shown in FIG. 6, the water supply valve unit 300 is configured to integrally include multiple water supply valves, in this case three water supply valves 301, 302, and 303. These water supply valves 301, 302, and 303 are supplied with water from a water source (not shown), such as a water tap.

The water supply valve 301 is a water supply valve for supplying water into the manual detergent input section 203 of the water supply case 200, and its water supply port 301a is connected to the detergent flow path provided on the top surface 205 of the water supply case 200. The water supply valve 302 is a water supply valve for supplying water into the manual softener input section 204 of the water supply case 200, and its water supply port 302a is connected to the softener flow path provided on the top surface 205 of the water supply case 200. The water supply valve 303 is a water supply valve for supplying water to the mixing section 108, and its water supply port 303a is connected to the upstream connection section of the mixing section 108 via the mixing section water supply path 304 and the above-mentioned upstream connection path 109. The water supply port 303a of the water supply valve 303 is an example of a mixing section water supply port.

The mixing section water supply path 304 is a component for connecting the water supply port 303a of the water supply valve 303 to the mixing section 108. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the mixing section water supply path 304 passes between the top surface 205 of the water injection case 200 and the manual detergent dispenser 203 and the manual fabric softener dispenser 204. The mixing section water supply path 304 also passes through the water injection case 200 in the lateral direction of the outer box 2. The mixing section water supply path 304 also extends linearly inside the water injection case 200 without bending or curving.

2, a well-known bath water pump 305 is provided near the water supply valve unit 300. The bath water pump 305 draws in bath water stored in, for example, a bathtub provided outside the washing machine 1, and supplies it to the bath water flow path of the water supply case 200. The bath water supplied to the water supply case 200 is then supplied to the manual detergent dispenser 203, where it dissolves the detergent in the manual detergent dispenser 203. The bath water with the detergent dissolved in it is then supplied from the water supply case 200 into the water tub 3. In this way, the washing machine 1 can also supply the laundry treatment agent manually added by the user to the water tub 3 together with the bath water.

In the machine room 6, the water supply valve unit 300 and the bath water pump 305 are arranged side by side along the front-to-rear direction of the outer box 2. The bath water pump 305 is also arranged in front of the water supply valve unit 300. In this case, the entire bath water pump 305 is located forward of the water supply valve unit 300. Note that the bath water pump 305 may also be arranged such that at least a portion of it is located forward of the water supply valve unit 300.

Next, a detailed description will be given of an example of the configuration of the automatic dispensing device 100, particularly the case storage section 101, the case 102, the detergent tank 103, and the fabric softener tank 104. As shown in Figs. 7 to 12, the automatic dispensing device 100 is configured such that a substantially rectangular box-shaped case 102 is stored inside a substantially rectangular box-shaped case storage section 101 so that the case 102 can be pulled out.

As illustrated in Figs. 13 to 15, the case 102 has a case main body 120 that is a generally rectangular box-like shape with an open top. The inside of the case main body 120 is configured to accommodate a plurality of tanks, in this case the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 described above. The inside of the case main body 120 is also configured to accommodate the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 lined up horizontally.

A front wall 121 is provided at the front of the case body 120. The upper end of the front wall 121 is higher than the upper end of the case body 120. Viewing windows 122, 123 are provided at both lateral ends of the front wall 121. Both of the viewing windows 122, 123 penetrate the front wall 121 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the viewing windows 122, 123 are rectangular and elongated in the vertical direction. Of these, the viewing window 122 is a viewing window for checking the remaining amount of detergent, which allows the remaining amount of detergent in the detergent tank 103 housed in the case body 120 to be visually confirmed. On the other hand, the viewing window 123 is a viewing window for checking the remaining amount of fabric softener, which allows the remaining amount of fabric softener in the fabric softener tank 104 housed in the case body 120 to be visually confirmed.

In addition, rails 124 are provided on both lateral sides of the case body 120, and extend linearly along the direction in which the case 102 is pulled out. In this case, the rails 124 are provided linearly along the upper end of the case body 120.

As also shown in FIG. 16, the case 102 has a hanging portion 102A. In this case, the hanging portion 102A is provided on the lower portion of the front wall portion 121. The hanging portion 102A is provided at the horizontal center of the lower portion of the front wall portion 121. The hanging portion 102A is provided in a rectangular recessed shape that is long in the horizontal direction.

The bottom surface of the case 102, in this case the bottom surface of the case body 120, is provided with multiple, in this case two, protrusions 126 located on the front side. The protrusions 126 are provided on both lateral sides of the hanging portion 102A. The front surface of the protrusions 126 is formed in a flat shape along the front wall portion 121. The area behind the front surface of the protrusions 126 forms an inclined portion that gradually rises from the front to the rear. In this case, the inclined portion is composed of multiple ribs extending in the front-rear direction. The protrusions 126 configured in this manner function as an example of a blockage promoting portion, as will be described in detail later.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the rail portion 124 of the case 102 is provided with a stopper 125. In this case, the stopper 125 is provided rearward of the center of the rail portion 124 in the longitudinal direction. More specifically, the stopper 125 is provided on the lower side of the rail portion 124. The stopper 125 is provided rearward of the rear ends of the supply ports 142 and 152 when the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. The stopper 125 is provided rearward of the rear ends of the lids 149 and 159 in the closed state when the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. The stopper 125 is configured as a flat wall perpendicular to the direction in which the case 102 is drawn out relative to the case housing portion 101, in other words, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rail portion 124. In addition, the rail portion 124 of the case 102 does not have a stopper or a component equivalent to a stopper on the lower side behind the stopper 125.

On the other hand, a groove 129 is provided on the inner surface of the side wall of the case storage section 101, which extends linearly in the direction in which the case 102 is pulled out. A protrusion 130 that is formed in an upwardly protruding shape is provided at the front end of the groove 129. The protrusion 130 is an example of a locking section. When the case 102 is pulled out from inside the case storage section 101, the stopper 125 on the case 102 side locks with the protrusion 130 on the case storage section 101 side from the rear side at a position where the case 102 has been pulled out a predetermined amount. This restricts the amount that the case 102 is pulled out from the case storage section 101 to the predetermined amount at which the stopper 125 locks with the protrusion 130.

In addition, in the locked state where the stopper 125 is engaged with the convex portion 130, in other words, when the amount of the case 102 pulled out from the case housing portion 101 reaches a predetermined amount, the tanks 103 and 104 cannot be removed from inside the case 102. That is, in the locked state where the stopper 125 is engaged with the convex portion 130, a part of the tanks 103 and 104, in this case the rear portion, is housed inside the case housing portion 101. In addition, in the locked state where the stopper 125 is engaged with the convex portion 130, the distance D1 from the upper end of the front part to the lower end of the rear part of the part of the tanks 103 and 104 housed in the case housing portion 101 is greater than the distance D2 from the bottom surface of the case 102 to the upper surface of the case housing portion 101. Therefore, when an attempt is made to remove the tanks 103, 104 from the case 102 while the stopper 125 is engaged with the protrusion 130, the upper surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 come into contact with and interfere with the upper surface of the case housing portion 101, making it impossible to remove the tanks 103, 104 from the case 102.

The rail portion 124 of the case 102 is provided with an abutment portion 131. In this case, the abutment portion 131 is provided at a position rearward of the longitudinal center of the rail portion 124. More specifically, the abutment portion 131 is provided on the upper side of the rail portion 124. The abutment portion 131 is also provided at the rearmost end of the rail portion 124. The abutment portion 131 is also formed in an upwardly protruding shape. When the rail portion 124 is slidably housed within the groove portion 129, the tip of the abutment portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of the groove portion 129.

In particular, the abutment portion 131 abuts against the upper surface of the groove portion 129 even when the case 102 has been pulled out of the case housing portion 101 by a predetermined amount. This makes it possible to prevent the case 102 from tilting downward at the front due to the weight of the case 102 itself and the weight of the tanks 103 and 104 housed within the case 102. This in turn makes it possible to prevent the case 102 from falling out of the case housing portion 101 due to its own weight.

Here, the distance D3 between the stopper 125 on the case 102 side and the abutment portion 131 on the case storage portion 101 side is longer than the distance D4 between the upper surface of the case storage portion 101 and the upper surface of the groove portion 129. With this configuration, when the case 102, which has been pulled out from the case storage portion 101 to a predetermined amount, tries to tilt forward so as to descend, the abutment portion 131 abuts the upper surface of the groove portion 129, and can sufficiently resist the descent. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the case 102 from falling off. Note that the washing machine 1 may be configured without the abutment portion 131. With this configuration, when the pull-out amount from the case storage portion 101 reaches a predetermined amount, the case 102 tries to tilt forward so as to descend, making it easier to remove the case 102 from the case storage portion 101.

Next, the configuration example of the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 will be described in more detail. As illustrated in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, the detergent tank 103 is configured by combining a tank main body 140 and a cover 141. The tank main body 140 constitutes the main body of the detergent tank 103, and as illustrated in FIG. 15, has a substantially rectangular container shape with an open top. A space capable of storing detergent is provided inside the tank main body 140. The cover 141 is detachably attached to the top of the tank main body 140 and closes the top opening of the tank main body 140. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the cover 141 has a supply port 142 for supplying detergent to the inside of the detergent tank 103, more specifically, to the inside of the tank main body 140. In this case, the supply port 142 opens in a substantially rectangular shape on the front side of the cover 141.

The detergent tank 103 has a grip portion 143. The grip portion 143 is provided in a semicircular recess on the surface forming the outer shell of the detergent tank 103, in this case, the side surface of the tank main body 140. The grip portion 143 also extends linearly between one end and the other end of the surface forming the outer shell of the detergent tank 103, in this case, the side surface of the tank main body 140. More specifically, the grip portion 143 extends linearly between the upper end and the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body 140 without bending or curving. In other words, the upper end of the grip portion 143 reaches the upper end of the side surface of the tank main body 140, and the lower end of the grip portion 143 reaches the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body 140. The grip portion 143 is also provided to the side of the supply port 142 provided in the cover portion 141. The grip portion 143 may be provided at a position away from the side of the supply port 142 provided on the cover portion 141, for example, forward or rearward of the side of the supply port 142.

The grip portion 143 is provided on one of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction among the surfaces that form the outer hull of the tank main body 140. In this case, the grip portion 143 is provided on the surface that faces the inside, that is, the fabric softener tank 104 side, when the detergent tank 103 is housed in the case 102. The detergent tank 103 may have the grip portion 143 provided on the other of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction among the surfaces that form the outer hull of the tank main body 140, in this case, the surface that faces the outside, that is, the surface opposite the fabric softener tank 104, when the detergent tank 103 is housed in the case 102. The detergent tank 103 may also have the grip portion 143 provided on both of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction among the surfaces that form the outer hull of the tank main body 140.

As shown in FIG. 15, the grip 143 is provided to push the side of the tank body 140 inward without changing the plate thickness. This allows detergent to be stored in the tank body 140 in the surrounding areas, including in front of and behind the grip 143.

The detergent tank 103 further includes a hanging part 144. In this case, the hanging part 144 is provided on the tank main body 140 that constitutes part of the detergent tank 103, and more specifically, is provided inside the grip part 143 provided on the tank main body 140. The hanging part 144 is a component on which the user can hang his/her fingers when removing the detergent tank 103 from the case 102. The hanging part 144 is provided in a flat plate shape perpendicular to the direction in which the grip part 143 extends. The hanging part 144 is provided in the middle of the grip part 143, in this case, above the center in the up-down direction.

20 and 21, the softener tank 104 is configured by combining a tank main body 150 and a cover 151. The tank main body 150 constitutes the main body of the softener tank 104, and as shown in FIG. 15, is a generally rectangular container with an open top. A space capable of storing softener is provided inside the tank main body 150. The cover 151 is detachably attached to the top of the tank main body 150 and closes the top opening of the tank main body 150. As shown in FIG. 22, the cover 151 is provided with a supply port 152 for supplying softener to the inside of the softener tank 104, more specifically, to the inside of the tank main body 150. In this case, the supply port 152 opens in a generally rectangular shape on the front side of the cover 151.

The softener tank 104 has a grip portion 153. The grip portion 153 is provided in a semicircular recess on the surface forming the outer shell of the softener tank 104, in this case, the side surface of the tank main body 150. The grip portion 153 also extends linearly between one end and the other end of the surface forming the outer shell of the softener tank 104, in this case, the side surface of the tank main body 150. More specifically, the grip portion 153 extends linearly between the upper end and the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body 150 without bending or curving. In other words, the upper end of the grip portion 153 reaches the upper end of the side surface of the tank main body 150, and the lower end of the grip portion 153 reaches the lower end of the side surface of the tank main body 150. The grip portion 153 is also provided to the side of the supply port 152 provided in the cover portion 151. The grip portion 153 may be provided at a position away from the side of the supply port 152 provided on the cover portion 151, for example, forward or rearward of the side of the supply port 152.

The grip portion 153 is provided on one of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction among the surfaces that form the outer hull of the tank main body 150. In this case, the grip portion 153 is provided on the surface that faces the inside, that is, the detergent tank 103 side, when the softener tank 104 is housed in the case 102. The softener tank 104 may have the grip portion 153 on the other of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction among the surfaces that form the outer hull of the tank main body 150, in this case, the surface that faces the outside, that is, the surface opposite the detergent tank 103, when the softener tank 104 is housed in the case 102. The softener tank 104 may also have the grip portion 153 on both of the surfaces that face each other in the horizontal direction among the surfaces that form the outer hull of the tank main body 150.

As shown in FIG. 15, the grip 153 is provided to push the side of the tank body 150 inward without changing the plate thickness. This allows fabric softener to be stored in the tank body 150 in the peripheral areas including in front and behind the grip 153.

The fabric softener tank 104 further includes a hanging part 154. In this case, the hanging part 154 is provided on the tank main body 150 that constitutes part of the fabric softener tank 104, and more specifically, is provided inside the grip part 153 provided on the tank main body 150. The hanging part 154 is a component on which the user can hang the fingers when removing the fabric softener tank 104 from the case 102. The hanging part 154 is provided in a flat plate shape perpendicular to the direction in which the grip part 153 extends. The hanging part 154 is provided in the middle of the grip part 153, in this case, above the center in the up-down direction.

The detergent tank 103 also has a recess 145 that is recessed inwardly in a semicircular shape at a position on the cover part 141 that corresponds to the upper part of the grip part 143. In this case, the hanging part 144 is provided directly below this recess 145. The fabric softener tank 104 also has a recess 155 that is recessed inwardly in a semicircular shape at a position on the cover part 151 that corresponds to the upper part of the grip part 153. In this case, the hanging part 154 is provided directly below this recess 155.

In this embodiment, the detergent tank 103 has a grip portion 143 and a recess 145 on the surface facing another tank, in this case, the fabric softener tank 104. The detergent tank 103 also has the grip portion 143 and the recess 145 at positions facing the grip portion 153 and the recess 155 of the other tank, the fabric softener tank 104. The fabric softener tank 104 also has the grip portion 153 and the recess 155 on the surface facing the other tank, in this case, the detergent tank 103. The fabric softener tank 104 also has the grip portion 153 and the recess 155 at positions facing the grip portion 143 and the recess 145 of the other tank, the detergent tank 103.

According to this configuration, when the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 are housed in the case body 120 of the case 102, the semicircularly recessed grip portion 143 and recess 145 face the semicircularly recessed grip portion 153 and recess 155, forming a substantially circular space surrounded by the grip portion 143, recess 145, and the grip portion 153, recess 155. As a result, when removing the detergent tank 103 or the fabric softener tank 104 from the case body 120 of the case 102, the user can insert his or her fingers into this space and hang them on the hanging portion 144 or hanging portion 154, making it easy to remove the detergent tank 103 or the fabric softener tank 104.

As illustrated in Figs. 18 to 21, the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 are provided with recesses 146, 156 recessed inward. In this case, the recesses 146, 156 are provided at the lower front parts of the tank main body parts 140, 150 constituting a part of the tanks 103, 104. The recesses 146, 156 are rectangular recesses. The recess 146 is provided on the inside of the tank main body part 140, in this case, on the fabric softener tank 104 side. The recess 156 is provided on the inside of the tank main body part 150, in this case, on the detergent tank 103 side. When the tanks 103, 104 are attached to the case main body part 120, these recesses 146, 156 face each other in the horizontal direction, thereby forming a space capable of accommodating the hanging part 102A of the case 102.

The tanks 103 and 104 also have tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 in the recesses 146 and 156. The tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 are an example of a positioning portion, and in this case, protrude linearly downward from the upper surface of the recesses 146 and 156. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the tip of the tank-side protrusion 147 is provided with an elastically deformable clamping piece. As illustrated in FIG. 24, the tip of the tank-side protrusion 157 is provided with an elastically deformable clamping piece. The protrusion amount of the tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 is smaller than the recess amount of the recesses 146 and 156, that is, the tank-side protrusions 147 and 157 do not protrude downward from the bottom surface of the tanks 103 and 104. That is, while the tanks 103, 104 have tank-side protrusions 147, 157 that protrude downward, the entire tank-side protrusions 147, 157 are contained within the recesses 146, 156, so the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 are maintained flat.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23, inside the case main body 120, multiple (in this case, two) case side protrusions 132 are provided, separated into left and right, located behind the hanging portion 102A. The case side protrusions 132 are an example of a positioning portion, and in this case, protrude linearly upward from the bottom surface of the case main body 120. In addition, a circular bulge is provided at the tip of the case side protrusion 132 so that it can be clamped by the clamping pieces of the tank side protrusions 147, 157.

When the tanks 103, 104 are attached inside the case body 120, the hanging portion 102A of the case 102 is fitted into the space formed by the recesses 146, 156. This positions the lower front portions of the tanks 103, 104 in place by the hanging portion 102A. Furthermore, the case side protrusion 132 on the case 102 side is sandwiched between the tank side protrusions 147, 157 on the tanks 103, 104 side. This ensures that the lower front portions of the tanks 103, 104 are positioned even more reliably.

The above-mentioned viewing windows 122, 123 are provided at positions that avoid the above-mentioned recesses 146, 156 when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case body 120, in this case, positioned outside the recesses 146, 156 in the horizontal direction. In the portions of the tanks 103, 104 where the recesses 146, 156 are provided, the clothing treatment agent is stored above the recesses 146, 156, and the remaining amount of clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 cannot be accurately reflected and displayed. Therefore, by providing the viewing windows 122, 123 at positions that avoid the recesses 146, 156, the remaining amount of clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 can be accurately reflected and displayed in the viewing windows 122, 123.

14 and the like, when the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case body 120, the upper end of the outer wall portion constituting the outer periphery of the case body 120 is lower than the upper surface of the tanks 103 and 104 housed in the case body 120. The upper end of the rear wall portion 120a provided at the rear of the case body 120 is lower than the lower end of the pump connection portion 148 and 158 provided at the rear of the tanks 103 and 104. The pump connection portion 148 and 158 protrudes cylindrically backward from the rear surface of the tanks 103 and 104. As described above, the case housing portion 101 is configured to be immovable relative to the main body of the washing machine 1. The pump connection portion 148 of the detergent tank 103 is connected to the laundry treatment agent suction port (not shown) of the detergent metering pump 105 as the case 102 housing the detergent tank 103 is pushed into the case housing portion 101. In addition, the pump connection part 158 of the fabric softener tank 104 is connected to the clothing treatment agent suction port (not shown) of the fabric softener metering pump 106 when the case 102 containing the fabric softener tank 104 is pushed into the case storage part 101.

In this case, the rear wall 120a of the case body 120 is configured to have a height such that its upper end is spaced apart from the lower ends of the pump connections 148, 158 of the tanks 103, 104. The rear wall 120a of the case body 120 may also be configured to have a height such that its upper end contacts the lower ends of the pump connections 148, 158 of the tanks 103, 104.

The detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 further include lids 149, 159 for opening and closing the supply ports 142, 152. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the lids 149, 159 include lid main bodies 149a, 159a and insertion portions 149b, 159b as an integral part. The lid main bodies 149a, 159a are substantially rectangular plates larger than the supply ports 142, 152. The side end of the lid main bodies 149a, 159a, in this case the end on the side where the recesses 145, 145 of the cover portions 141, 151 are provided, is positioned outside the most recessed portion of the recesses 145, 145 when the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state where the supply ports 142, 152 are closed.

The base end of the lid main body 149a, 159a is provided with a pivot shaft 149c, 159c extending laterally. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 22, a bearing 160, 170 is provided at the rear of the supply port 142, 152. The pivot shaft 149c, 159c of the lid main body 149a, 159a is rotatably supported by the bearing 160, 170. The bearing 160, 170 is provided with an air hole 160a, 170a that penetrates the cover 141, 151 and allows air to pass through.

The insertion portion 149b, 159b is a substantially rectangular plate-like shape larger than the supply port 142, 152 and smaller than the lid body portion 149a, 159a. The insertion portion 149b, 159b is inserted into the supply port 142, 152 when the lid 149, 159 closes the supply port 142, 152. When the lid 149, 159 closes the supply port 142, 152, the insertion portion 149b, 159b itself does not come into direct contact with the inner surface of the supply port 142, 152. Gaskets 161, 171 made of, for example, rubber material are attached around the insertion portion 149b, 159b. The packing 161, 171 is integrally composed of a packing body 161a, 171a formed in a substantially rectangular frame shape surrounding the insertion portion 149b, 159b, and a packing piece 161b, 171b extending outward from the packing body 161a, 171a.

When the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state closing the supply ports 142, 152, the packings 161, 171 seal the gap between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152. More specifically, when the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state closing the supply ports 142, 152, the packings 161, 171 seal the gap formed between the side of the insertion portions 149b, 159b and the inner surface of the supply ports 142, 152 so as to maintain the gap watertight and airtight.

The upper part of the inner surface of the supply port 142, 152 is a flat surface extending in the vertical direction, and the lower part is an inclined surface that gradually slopes downward toward the inside of the supply port 142, 152. When the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state where the supply port 142, 152 is closed, the packing pieces 161b, 171b of the packings 161, 171 are in contact with the upper part of the inner surface of the supply port 142, 152, that is, the flat part extending in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 26, the washing machine 1 may be configured such that at least a portion of the inner surface of the supply port 142, 152, in this case the rear surface 142a, 152a, is entirely inclined. With this configuration, as the lids 149, 159 rotate from a closed position that closes the supply port 142, 152 to an open position that opens the supply port 142, 152, the contact area of the packing pieces 161b, 171b of the packings 161, 171 in contact with the inclined surface of the supply port 142, 152 gradually decreases. In other words, as the lids 149, 159 rotate toward the open position, the seal strength of the packings 161, 171 against the supply port 142, 152 gradually decreases, making it easier to open the lids 149, 159 without requiring a large force.

Although not shown in detail, in the closed state where the lids 149, 159 close the supply ports 142, 152, the contact area of the packings 161, 171 on the side opposite the pivot shafts 149c, 159c of the lids 149, 159, in this case the front side, with the supply ports 142, 152 may be configured to be smaller than the contact area of the packings 161, 171 on the side of the pivot shafts 149c, 159c of the lids 149, 159, in this case the rear side, with the supply ports 142, 152. With this configuration, the contact area of the packings 161, 171 with the supply ports 142, 152 on the tip side of the lids 149, 159, i.e. the free pivot end side, can be reduced, and the seal strength can be weakened. Therefore, the lids 149, 159 can be easily opened without applying a large force to the tip of the lids 149, 159. This configuration can be achieved, for example, by shifting the insertion portions 149b, 159b of the lids 149, 159 rearward, or by making the amount of protrusion of the portions of the packing pieces 161b, 171b of the packings 161, 171 located in front of the insertion portions 149b, 159b smaller than the amount of protrusion of the portions located behind the insertion portions 149b, 159b.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 and other figures, when the case 102 is pulled out from the case housing 101 to a predetermined amount, the user can operate the multiple tanks housed in the case 102, in this case the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 9, when the case 102 is pulled out from the case housing 101 to a predetermined amount, a part of the case 102, in this case the rear part, is housed in the case housing 101. In this state, the lids 149, 159 of the detergent tank 103 and the fabric softener tank 104 housed in the case 102 can be opened and closed. Thus, the user can open the lids 149, 159 to refill the tanks 103, 104 with laundry treatment agent.

As shown in FIG. 7, when the case 102 is housed in the innermost part of the case housing section 101, it is locked to prevent it from being unintentionally pulled out due to, for example, the weight of the case 102 or vibrations during operation. As shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the case 102 can be completely removed from the case housing section 101. Next, an example of a configuration that makes this possible will be described. Note that the tanks 103 and 104 can be removed from the case 102 by completely removing the case 102 from the case housing section 101.

10 and 11, a recess 172 recessed downward is provided at the front of the bottom surface of the case storage section 101. When the case 102 is stored in the innermost part of the case storage section 101, the front surface of the protrusion 126 engages with the front surface of the recess 172, thereby locking the case 102 in the case storage section 101 so that the case 102 cannot be pulled out. However, by pushing the case 102 slightly upward from this state and disengaging the protrusion 126 from the recess 172, the case 102 can be pulled out from the case storage section 101. Then, as described above, when the amount of the case 102 pulled out from the case storage section 102 reaches a predetermined amount, the stopper 125 on the case 102 side engages with the protrusion 130 on the case storage section 101 side. This restricts the amount of the case 102 pulled out to a predetermined amount. Then, from this state, by lifting the case 102 upward and disengaging the stopper 125 from the protrusion 130, the case 102 can be completely removed from the case storage section 101.

When the case 102 is to be attached to the case housing 101 again, the case 102 is lifted slightly upward and inserted into the case housing 101 so that the stopper 125 on the case 102 side fits into the rear side of the convex portion 130 on the case housing 101 side. At this time, the rear side of the protrusion 126 is inclined, so this inclination abuts against the front end of the lower surface of the case housing 101. Therefore, as the case 102 is pushed into the case housing 101, the inclination of the protrusion 126 slides against the front end of the lower surface of the case housing 101, which helps to push the case 102 upward. When the case 102 is further pushed into the case housing 101, the protrusion 126 fits into the recess 172, and the case 102 is locked in a state where it is housed in the innermost part of the case housing 101.

By pushing the case 102 into the case housing 101 as described above, the case 102 can be attached so as to be retractable within the case housing 101. When the case 102 is attached to the case housing 101 in this manner, if the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102, the case 102 is pushed upward when the case 102 housing the tanks 103 and 104 is housed in the case housing 101. As a result, the lids 149 and 159 on the top of the tanks 103 and 104 come into contact with the upper surface of the case housing 101 and are pushed in a closing direction that closes the supply ports 142 and 152. That is, the closing of the supply ports 142 and 152 by the lids 149 and 159 is promoted. Such a closing promotion action of the lids 149 and 159 is realized based on the case 102 being pushed upward and based on the protrusions 126 being provided on the bottom surface of the case 102. The protrusion 126 configured in this manner has the function of assisting in pushing the case 102 upward as described above, and therefore functions as an example of a closure promoting portion that promotes closure of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159.

As shown in FIG. 25, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with hollow protrusions 164, 174 located at the rear and protruding inwardly from the pump connection parts 148, 158 into the tank body parts 140, 150. In this case, the protrusions 164, 174 are cylindrical. The protrusions 164, 174 are not components provided as separate parts on the tank body parts 140, 150, but are components provided as the same parts as the tank body parts 140, 150. In other words, the protrusions 164, 174 are provided integrally with the tank body parts 140, 150, for example, by resin molding, and are provided continuously and without interruption.

Check valves 165, 175 are housed inside the protruding portions 164, 174. Additionally, biasing members 166, 176, such as springs, are housed inside the protruding portions 164, 174. The biasing members 166, 176 bias the check valves 165, 175 in a direction that blocks the flow path formed in the protruding portions 164, 174, in this case, toward the pump connection portions 148, 158. As a result, the check valves 165, 175 prevent the clothing treatment agent sucked from the pump connection portions 148, 158 to the pumps 105, 106 from flowing back into the tanks 103, 104. In addition, when the check valves 165, 175 receive a pressing force generated by the reciprocating pistons of the pumps 105, 106, they move against the urging force of the urging members 166, 176 in a direction that opens the flow path formed in the protruding parts 164, 174, in this case, in the opposite direction to the pump connection parts 148, 158. This allows the pumps 105, 106 to suck up the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104. That is, according to the tanks 103, 104, as the pumps 105, 106 reciprocate their pistons, the check valves 165, 175 also reciprocate within the protruding parts 164, 174, opening and closing the flow path. Accordingly, the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 is sucked out in conjunction with the drive of the pumps 105, 106.

In addition, cap portions 167, 177 are attached to the tips of protrusions 164, 174, i.e., the opening ends that open into tank body portions 140, 150, with check valves 165, 175 and biasing members 166, 176 housed within protrusions 164, 174. This prevents check valves 165, 175 and biasing members 166, 176 housed within protrusions 164, 174 from coming off from within protrusions 164, 174.

The cap portion 167, 177 is integrally provided with a hollow straw portion 168, 178 that extends downward in a straight line within the tank body portion 140, 150. In this case, the straw portion 168, 178 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and its lower end extends to a height slightly spaced from the bottom surface of the tank body portion 140, 150.

27 and 28, the upper part of the protrusion 164, 174 is provided with a convex part 164a, 174a that protrudes upward. In this case, the convex part 164a, 174a is formed in a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the upper part of the cap part 167, 177 is provided with a recessed part 167a, 177a that is recessed in a smooth arc shape toward the tip side of the cap part 167, 177. When the cap part 167, 177 is attached to the protrusion 164, 174, the protrusion 164a, 174a fits into the recessed part 167a, 177a. As a result, the cap part 167, 177 is positioned with respect to the protrusion 164, 174 with the straw part 168, 178 extending downward inside the tank main body part 140, 150. That is, the protrusions 164a, 174a and the recesses 167a, 177a cooperate with each other to function as an example of a positioning portion that positions the cap portions 167, 177 so that the straw portions 168, 178 extend downward.

The protrusions 164, 174 also have claws 164b, 174b on both the left and right sides. The claws 164b, 174b protrude outward from the side surfaces of the protrusions 164, 174. The caps 167, 177 also have claw holes 167b, 177b on both the left and right sides. When the caps 167, 177 are attached to the protrusions 164, 174, the claws 164b, 174b engage with the claw holes 167b, 177b. This allows the caps 167, 177 to be engaged and fixed to the protrusions 164, 174. That is, the claws 164b, 174b and the claw holes 167b, 177b cooperate with each other to function as an example of an engagement portion that engages the caps 167, 177 with the protrusions 164, 174. The claws 164b, 174b and the claw holes 167b, 177b, which function as an example of a locking portion, are provided at positions that avoid the protrusions 164a, 174a and the recesses 167a, 177a, which function as an example of the positioning portion described above.

According to the washing machine 1 of this embodiment exemplified above, the surface forming the outer hull of the tanks 103, 104 is provided with concave gripping portions 143, 153. With this configuration, the user can easily grip the tanks 103, 104 by hooking their fingers on the gripping portions 143, 153, and therefore it is easy to handle the tanks 103, 104, for example, to attach and detach them from the case 102. In addition, the user can grip the detergent tank 103 or fabric softener tank 104 with, for example, one hand, further improving usability.

Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 have gripping parts 143, 153 on one of the opposing surfaces that form the outer contours of the tanks 103, 104. This configuration makes it possible to avoid the appearance of the tanks 103, 104 becoming complicated. Furthermore, the tanks 103, 104 may have gripping parts 143, 153 on both opposing surfaces that form the outer contours of the tanks 103, 104, and this configuration makes it even easier to grip the tanks 103, 104.

The washing machine 1 also includes a plurality of detachable tanks 103, 104. The tanks 103, 104 on one side are provided with grips 143, 153 on the surface facing the tanks 104, 103 on the other side. The tanks 103, 104 on the other side have grips 143, 153 at positions facing the grips 153, 133 of the tanks 104, 103 on the other side. With this configuration, when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case 102, a substantially circular space surrounded by the grips 143 and 153 can be formed. This allows the user to easily remove the detergent tank 103 or the fabric softener tank 104 from the case body 120 of the case 102 by inserting their fingers into this space. In addition, the gripping parts 143, 153 provided on the respective tanks 103, 104 can be minimized, and the reduction in space inside the tanks 103, 104 that results from the formation of the gripping parts 143, 153, in other words, the reduction in the amount of clothing treatment agent that can be stored, can be minimized.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the gripping parts 143, 153 extend between one end and the other end of the surface forming the outer periphery of the tanks 103, 104, in this case between the upper and lower ends. With this configuration, the gripping parts 143, 153 can be made as large as possible, making it even easier to grip the tanks 103, 104.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with refill ports 142, 152 for refilling the laundry treatment agent therein, and the grips 143, 153 are provided to the sides of the refill ports 142, 152. With this configuration, the user can further hold down the lids 149, 159 that close the refill ports 142, 152 with the fingers gripping the grips 143, 153, preventing the lids 149, 159 of the gripped tanks 103, 104 from opening and spilling out the laundry treatment agent inside.

The tanks 103, 104 may be configured with grips 143, 153 at positions off to the sides of the supply ports 142, 152. With this configuration, it is not necessary to reduce the opening area of the supply ports 142, 152 in order to form the grips 143, 153. This makes it possible to ensure a large opening area for the supply ports 142, 152, making it easier to supply the laundry treatment agent.

Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the handles 143, 153 have hanging portions 144, 145 on which the user's fingers can be hung. With this configuration, the user can easily remove the tanks 103, 104 from inside the case 102 by hanging their fingers on these hanging portions 144, 145.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the hanging parts 144, 145 are provided on the tank main body parts 140, 150 that constitute the main body parts of the tanks 103, 104. With this configuration, the user can hook the hands and fingers on the main body parts of the tanks 103, 104 to remove them, and the tanks 103, 104 can be removed stably.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic insertion device 100, the water supply case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction of the outer case 2 in the machine chamber 6. In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the water supply valve unit 300 is arranged forward of the rear end of the automatic insertion device 100 and the rear end of the water supply case 200 in the machine chamber 6. In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the water supply case 200 is arranged between the automatic insertion device 100 and the water supply valve unit 300 in the horizontal direction of the outer case 2 in the machine chamber 6.

In this way, by accommodating the automatic dosing device 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 in the machine room 6 in a so-called side-by-side arrangement, the limited space in the outer box 2 can be effectively utilized to accommodate multiple components, in this case at least the automatic dosing device 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300, in a compact manner without any difficulty. This in turn prevents the washing machine 1 from becoming too large overall.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the water supply case 200 and the water supply valve unit 300 are not arranged behind the automatic dosing device 100, so at least the depth dimension of the automatic dosing device 100 can be secured to be large. Therefore, the tanks 103 and 104 provided in the automatic dosing device 100 can be made larger, and the capacity of the tanks 103 and 104, i.e., the amount of laundry treatment agent that can be stored, can be increased.

In addition, by applying the above-mentioned arrangement, the washing machine 1 can accommodate relatively large components such as the automatic dispenser 100, the water injection case 200, and the water supply valve unit 300 in a compact manner within the machine chamber 6 formed at the rear of the outer case 2.

The washing machine 1 also includes a mixing section 108 behind the automatic dispensing device 100 that mixes the clothing treatment agent supplied from the tanks 103, 104 with the water supplied from the water supply valve unit 300. With this configuration, the clothing treatment agent can be mixed with the water before being supplied to the water tub 3, and the water in which the clothing treatment agent is uniformly dissolved can improve the washing performance of the clothing. Also, by locating the mixing section 108, which is a relatively small component, behind the automatic dispensing device 100, the limited space in the machine chamber 6 can be effectively utilized.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the water supply valve unit 300 is provided with a dedicated water supply port 303a for supplying water to the mixing section 108. With this configuration, a sufficient amount of water can be reliably supplied to the mixing section 108, and water in which the clothing treatment agent is sufficiently dissolved can be supplied to the water tub 3.

The washing machine 1 also includes a mixing section water supply path 304 that connects the mixing section dedicated water supply port 303a to the mixing section 108. The mixing section water supply path 304 is passed between the top surface 205 of the water injection case 200 and the manual detergent dispenser 203 and the manual fabric softener dispenser 204. The mixing section water supply path 304 also passes through the water injection case 200 in the lateral direction of the outer box 2. The mixing section water supply path 304 also extends linearly inside the water injection case 200 without bending or curving.

In other words, the mixing section water supply path 304 is configured to minimize flow resistance. Therefore, water can be efficiently supplied from the water supply valve unit 300 to the mixing section 108, further promoting the mixing of the laundry treatment agent and water.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the water supply valve unit 300 and the bath water pump 305 are arranged side by side along the front-to-rear direction of the outer casing 2. The bath water pump 305 is also arranged in front of the water supply valve unit 300. With this arrangement, the limited space within the outer casing 2 can be effectively utilized, and the bath water pump 305 can also be accommodated without difficulty.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic loading device 100 is equipped with a case 102 having a hanging part 102A on which the user's fingers can be hung, and this case 102 is configured to be able to be pulled out from inside the case storage part 101 of the automatic loading device 100, and the tanks 103, 104 can be stored in this case 102. With this configuration, operations on the multiple tanks 103, 104, such as replenishing the tanks 103, 104 with laundry treatment agent and removing and attaching the tanks 103, 104, can be performed at once. In other words, the user can perform various operations on the multiple tanks 103, 104 by pulling out one case 102.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the upper end of the outer peripheral wall portion that constitutes the outer periphery of the case 102 is lower than the upper surface of the tanks 103, 104 housed within the case 102. This configuration makes it easier for the user to hold the upper side of the tanks 103, 104, and therefore makes it easier to attach and detach the tanks 103, 104 to and from the case 102. Note that at this time, the user may attach and detach the tanks 103, 104 by holding the grip portions 143, 153 of the tanks 103, 104, or by holding a portion other than the grip portions 143, 153.

In addition, with the washing machine 1, when a part of the case 102, in this case the rear part, is stored in the case storage section 101 of the automatic loading device 100, the tanks 103, 104 stored in the case 102 are in a state in which the lids 149, 159 of the supply ports 142, 152 can be opened and closed. Therefore, the user can replenish the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 without completely removing the case 102 from the case storage section 101 of the automatic loading device 100.

Furthermore, in the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with tank-side protrusions 147, 157 that position the tanks 103, 104 within the case 102. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the tanks 103, 104 from shifting out of position within the case 102, and allows the case 102 housing the tanks 103, 104 to be smoothly inserted into and removed from the case housing section 101.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the automatic dispenser 100 includes pumps 105, 106 that suck the laundry treatment agent from the tanks 103, 104, and the tanks 103, 104 include pump connectors 148, 158 that are connected to the pumps 105, 106. The upper end of the rear wall 120a at the rear of the case 102 is lower than the lower end of the pump connectors 148, 158. With this configuration, the pump connectors 148, 158 can be connected to the pumps 105, 106 without contacting or interfering with the rear wall 120a of the case 102. Therefore, the pump connectors 148, 158 can be connected to the pumps 105, 106 with high precision without causing misalignment.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the case 102 is provided with viewing windows 122, 123 through which the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 housed in the case 102 can be visually confirmed. With this configuration, the user can easily check the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 through the viewing windows 122, 123 without removing the tanks 103, 104 from the case 102. In this case, the viewing windows 122, 123 are provided in the front wall portion 121 of the case 102. Therefore, the user can easily check the remaining amount of the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 through the viewing windows 122, 123 without pulling the case 102 out of the case housing portion 101.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 have recesses 146, 156 at their bottoms that are recessed inward, and the tank-side protrusions 147, 157 are provided within the recesses 146, 156. With this configuration, the bottom surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 can be maintained flat while providing the tank-side protrusions 147, 157 for positioning. Therefore, the tanks 103, 104 can be stably placed on the floor, etc., making it easier to replenish the laundry treatment agent into the tanks 103, 104.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the viewing windows 122, 123 are provided at positions that avoid the portions where the recesses 146, 156 are located when the tanks 103, 104 are housed in the case 102. With this configuration, the exact remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent can be confirmed through the viewing windows 122, 123 at positions that avoid the recesses 146, 156 and their upper portions in the tanks 103, 104 where the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent is not accurately indicated. It is preferable that at least the tank main body portions 140, 150 of the tanks 103, 104 are made of a transparent or semi-transparent material. This makes it easier for the user to visually check the remaining amount of the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 are provided with hollow protrusions 164, 174 that protrude inwardly from the tanks 103, 104, check valves 165, 175 that are housed in the protrusions 164, 174, and caps 167, 177 that are attached to the open ends of the protrusions 164, 174 with the check valves 165, 175 housed in the protrusions 164, 174. The protrusions 164, 174 are provided as the same parts as the tanks 103, 104. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the laundry treatment agent from leaking out of the tanks 103, 104, even though the tanks 103, 104 are provided with hollow protrusions 164, 174 that protrude inwardly from the tanks 103, 104.

Furthermore, according to the washing machine 1, the cap portion 167, 177 is provided with a hollow straw portion 168, 178 that extends downward within the tank 103, 104. With this configuration, the cap portion 167, 177 having the straw portion 168, 178 can be handled as a single part, and the number of parts can be reduced compared to when the cap portion and the straw portion are provided as separate parts. Also, ease of assembly can be improved.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the protrusions 164, 174 are configured in a cylindrical shape. The washing machine 1 is provided with a positioning portion that positions the cap portion 167, 177 relative to the cylindrical protrusions 164, 174 so that the straw portion 168, 178 extends downward within the tank 103, 104. The convex portions 164a, 174a and the concave portions 167a, 177a that constitute the positioning portion are provided on the upper portions of the protrusions 164, 174 and the cap portions 167, 177. With this configuration, when attaching the cap portions 167, 177 to the protrusions 164, 174, the positioning portion is easily visible from above, and therefore the positioning of the cap portions 167, 177 relative to the protrusions 164, 174 can be easily performed.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the claws 164b, 174b and claw holes 167b, 177b that constitute the locking portion for locking the caps 167, 177 to the protrusions 164, 174 are provided at positions that avoid the convex portions 164a, 174a and the concave portions 167a, 177a that constitute the positioning portion. With this configuration, the caps 167, 177 can be firmly fixed to the protrusions 164, 174 while being accurately positioned relative to the protrusions 164, 174, and misalignment of the caps 167, 177 relative to the protrusions 164, 174 can be suppressed even after installation.

According to the washing machine 1, the automatic dosing device 100 is provided with a stopper 125 that restricts the amount of the case 102 that can be pulled out from the case housing 101 to a predetermined amount. The stopper 125 is provided behind the rear ends of the supply ports 142 and 152 when the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. The stopper 125 is provided behind the rear ends of the lids 149 and 159 of the supply ports 142 and 152 when the tanks 103 and 104 are housed in the case 102. With this configuration, the user can replenish the laundry treatment agent into the tanks 103 and 104 from the supply ports 142 and 152 without completely removing the case 102 from the automatic dosing device 100.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the tanks 103, 104 are connected to the pumps 105, 106 as the case 102 is pushed into the case housing 101 that is fixed immovably to the main body of the washing machine 1. That is, according to the washing machine 1, the case housing 101 of the automatic dosing device 100 equipped with the pumps 105, 106 is firmly fixed immovably to the main body of the washing machine 1, so that by pushing the case 102 into the case housing 101, the tanks 103, 104 can be securely connected to the pumps 105, 106.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the case storage section 101 has a protrusion 130 that engages with the stopper 125 when the amount of the case 102 pulled out from the case storage section 101 of the automatic loading device 100 reaches a predetermined amount. With this configuration, when the user pulls out the case 102, the amount of the case 102 pulled out can be reliably restricted to a predetermined amount, and the case 102 can be prevented from being unintentionally completely removed from the case storage section 101.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, when the stopper 125 is engaged with the protrusion 130, the tanks 103 and 104 cannot be removed from the case 102. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the tanks 103 and 104 from unintentionally coming out of the case 102 or falling out of the case 102.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the case storage section 101 has a groove section 129 that extends in the direction in which the case 102 is pulled out, and the case 102 has an abutment section 131 that abuts against the upper surface of the groove section 129. With this configuration, when the case 102 is pulled out from inside the case storage section 101, the abutment section 131 abuts against the upper surface of the groove section 129, thereby preventing the case 102 from falling out of the case storage section 101 due to its own weight.

In addition, in the washing machine 1, the distance D3 between the stopper 125 on the case 102 side and the abutment portion 131 on the case housing portion 101 side is longer than the distance D4 between the upper surface of the case housing portion 101 and the upper surface of the groove portion 129. This configuration can further prevent the case 102 from tilting due to its own weight, and can more reliably prevent the case 102 from falling out of the case housing portion 101.

The washing machine 1 is also provided with packings 161, 171 that seal between the lids 149, 159 and the refill ports 142, 152 when the lids 149, 159 are in a closed state where they close the refill ports 142, 152. This configuration can prevent the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 from spilling out between the lids 149, 159 and the refill ports 142, 152, and can prevent the clothing treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 from drying out and hardening due to ventilation through the gap between the lids 149, 159 and the refill ports 142, 152.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the cover parts 141, 151 constituting a part of the tanks 103, 104 are provided with vent holes 160a, 170a through which air can pass. With this configuration, even if the gap between the lids 149, 159 and the supply ports 142, 152 is sealed by the packings 161, 171, ventilation between the inside and outside of the tanks 103, 104 can be ensured, that is, the inside of the tanks 103, 104 can be opened to atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the laundry treatment agent can be smoothly sucked from the inside of the tanks 103, 104 to the pumps 105, 106. Note that the ventilation holes 160a, 170a have a small opening area, so that the laundry treatment agent hardly or never comes out of the ventilation holes 160a, 170a, or the laundry treatment agent in the tanks 103, 104 dries and hardens due to ventilation through the ventilation holes 160a, 170a.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the vents 160a, 170a are provided in the bearings 160, 170 that rotatably support the pivots 149c, 159c of the lids 149, 159. This configuration makes the vents 160a, 170a less noticeable from the outside, and prevents the tanks 103, 104 from deteriorating in appearance due to the provision of the vents 160a, 170a. In addition, if a clothing treatment agent is attached to the back surface of the lids 149, 159, the clothing treatment agent can be returned to the tanks 103, 104 through the vents 160a, 170a when the lids 149, 159 are opened. In addition, when washing the cover parts 141, 151, water can be passed through the vents 160a, 170a, making it easier to wash away the clothing treatment agent attached to the bearing parts 160, 170. This prevents the clothing treatment agent from becoming stuck in the bearings 160 and 170 and becoming impossible to remove.

In addition, the washing machine 1 may be configured such that at least a portion of the inner surface of the supply port 142, 152 is an inclined surface, so that as the lid 149, 159 rotates from a closed position that closes the supply port 142, 152 to an open position that opens the supply port 142, 152, the contact area of the packing piece portions 161b, 171b of the packing 161, 171 in contact with the inclined surface of the supply port 142, 152 gradually decreases. This allows the user to open the lid 149, 159 without requiring a large force, improving usability.

The washing machine 1 may also be configured so that, in a closed state where the lids 149, 159 close the supply ports 142, 152, the contact area of the packings 161, 171 on the side opposite the pivot shafts 149c, 159c of the lids 149, 159 with the inner surface of the supply ports 142, 152 is smaller than the contact area of the packings 161, 171 on the side of the pivot shafts 149c, 159c of the lids 149, 159 with the inner surface of the supply ports 142, 152. This configuration also allows the user to open the lids 149, 159 without using a large amount of force, improving usability.

In addition, according to the washing machine 1, the bottom surface of the case 102 is provided with a protrusion 126 that functions as a blocking promotion part that promotes the blocking of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159. With this configuration, when the case 102 containing the tanks 103, 104 is again accommodated in the case accommodation part 101, the protrusion 126 pushes the case 102 upward. As a result, the lids 149, 159 are pushed downward by the upper surface of the case accommodation part 101, and the blocking of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159 can be promoted. Therefore, for example, it is possible to avoid the case 102 being accommodated in the case accommodation part 101 with the supply ports 142, 152 being insufficiently blocked by the lids 149, 159, and the occurrence of a situation in which the laundry treatment agent jumps out of the tanks 103, 104 in the case accommodation part 101 can be suppressed. It is also possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the clothing treatment agent splashes out of the tanks 103, 104 when the case 102 is pulled out from the case storage section 101. In particular, in this embodiment, since the lids 149, 159 are provided with the packings 161, 171, there is a concern that the elasticity of the packings 161, 171 may cause the lids 149, 159 to insufficiently close the supply ports 142, 152. Therefore, by applying a configuration that promotes the closing of the supply ports 142, 152 by the lids 149, 159, it is possible to dispel such concerns.

This embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

29, the stopper 125 may be provided to be located forward of the center of gravity P of the tank 103, 104 when the tank 103, 104 is housed in the case 102. With this configuration, the amount of the case 102 that can be pulled out from the case housing 101 can be reduced by the predetermined amount regulated by the stopper 125, and the case 102 can be prevented from falling off due to its own weight more reliably. The center of gravity P of the tank 103, 104 may be the center of gravity when no clothing treatment agent is stored in the tank 103, 104, or may be the center of gravity when clothing treatment agent is stored in the tank 103, 104. The state in which clothing treatment agent is stored in the tank 103, 104 may be the state in which the maximum amount of clothing treatment agent is stored in the tank 103, 104, or may be the state in which less than the maximum amount of clothing treatment agent is stored in the tank 103, 104.

As shown in FIG. 30, the gripping portions 143, 153 may not reach one end or the other end of the surface that forms the outer periphery of the tanks 103, 104. The example configuration shown in FIG. 30 is an example configuration in which the gripping portions 143, 153 reach the upper end of the surface that forms the outer periphery of the tanks 103, 104 but do not reach the lower end. The length of the gripping portions 143, 153 can be changed as appropriate, for example, to 1/2 the height dimension of the tanks 103, 104.

Also, as shown in FIG. 31, the gripping parts 143, 153 may be provided along the depth direction of the tanks 103, 104, in other words, along the direction in which the case 102 is pulled out, rather than along the height direction of the tanks 103, 104. In this case, the gripping parts 143, 153 may reach the front end and the other end of the tanks 103, 104, or may extend partway.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, the gripping portions 143, 153 may be provided on both of the surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 that face each other in the vertical direction. Although not shown, the gripping portions 143, 153 may be provided on only one of the surfaces of the tanks 103, 104 that face each other in the vertical direction. In this case, the gripping portions 143, 153 may reach the front end and the other end of the tanks 103, 104, or may extend partway.

Furthermore, the tanks applicable to this embodiment are not limited to the detergent tank 103 that stores detergent and the fabric softener tank 104 that stores fabric softener. For example, various types of tanks that store a treatment agent for performing some treatment on clothes, such as a deodorant tank that stores a deodorant, a deodorant tank that stores a deodorant, a disinfectant tank that stores a disinfectant, and a bleach tank that stores a bleach, can be appropriately used. Furthermore, the number of tanks is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, when multiple tanks are provided, the multiple tanks may store the same type of treatment agent, or may store different types of treatment agents.

This embodiment can also be applied to a so-called horizontal axis type washing machine, in which the rotation axis of the spin tub extends horizontally or in an inclined direction. This embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine with a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to a washing machine without a drying function. This embodiment can also be applied to various clothing processing devices, as long as they perform some kind of processing on clothing, such as deodorizing, removing odors, disinfecting, and bleaching clothing.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims.

In the drawings, 1 is a washing machine (clothing treatment device), 2 is an outer box, 3 is a water tank (clothing treatment tank), 6 is a machine room, 100 is an automatic dispensing device (automatic dispensing section), 101 is a case storage section, 102 is a case, 102A is a hanging section, 103 is a detergent tank (tank), 104 is a fabric softener tank (tank), 105 is a detergent metering pump (pump), 106 is a fabric softener metering pump (pump), 108 is a mixing section, 122 and 123 are viewing windows, 125 is a stopper, 126 is a protrusion (closing promotion portion), 129 is a groove portion, 130 is a convex portion (locking portion), 131 is an abutment portion, 132 is a case side protrusion (positioning portion), 140 and 150 are a tank main body portion, 141 and 151 are cover portions, 142 and 152 are supply ports, 143 and 153 are grip portions, 144 and 145 are hook portions, 146 and 156 are recesses, 147 and 15 Reference numeral 7 denotes a tank side protrusion (positioning portion), 148 and 158 denote pump connection portions (connection portions), 149 and 159 denote covers, 160 and 170 denote bearing portions, 160a and 170a denote vent holes, 161 and 171 denote packings, 164 and 174 denote protrusions, 164a and 174a denote convex portions (positioning portions), 164b and 174b denote claw portions (locking portions), 165 and 175 denote check valves, and 167 and 177 denote cap portions. 167a, 177a are recesses (positioning parts), 167b, 177b are holes (locking parts), 168, 178 are straw parts, 200 is a water injection case, 203 is a manual detergent dispenser (manual dispenser), 204 is a manual fabric softener dispenser (manual dispenser), 300 is a water supply valve unit, 303a is a water supply port (water supply port for mixing part), 304 is a water supply path for mixing part, and 305 is a bath water pump.

Claims (2)

A clothes treatment tank for storing clothes;
A tank for storing a clothing treatment agent for treating clothing;
an automatic dispenser that dispenses the laundry treatment agent stored in the tank into the laundry treatment tub;
Equipped with
The upper part of the outer box having the laundry treatment tub therein is constituted by a top cover,
The top cover has a clothing entrance for inserting and removing clothing,
The tank is provided behind the clothing inlet and outlet of the top cover, and includes a supply port therein for supplying a clothing treatment agent,
The automatic insertion unit includes:
a storage section from which the tank is drawn ;
a stopper that restricts the tank from being pulled forward when the supply port is pulled forward beyond the storage portion;
Equipped with
The tank is capable of storing a quantity of laundry treatment agent sufficient for multiple operations,
The automatic dispenser dispenses the laundry treatment agent sucked from the tank by a pump into the laundry treatment tub,
A clothing processing device in which the position at which the stopper restricts the tank from being pulled forward is forward of the center of gravity of the tank and rearward of the rear end of the supply port. The tank includes a lid for opening and closing the supply port,
The clothing processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the position at which the stopper restricts the tank from being pulled out forward is located rearward of the rear end of the lid.

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